Gear Ratio/Engine Help

[Gumdroop]

So this weekend I fixed up the kart a little bit (tightened the throttle cable, it was way too loose, quickly cleaned the carb, cleaned the intake, etc.) and tested out the new Comet clutch I bought. Seems to work better than the old raggity clutch the kid had on the kart before me but it still isn't getting enough acceleration.
Now of course, without me sitting in the kart, it takes off when i press on the gas lol, but when im in it, not so much.
I started from a stop up my driveway and it doesnt even move, then i got to the top of my driveway and the incline was maybe 5 degrees, and I floored it, moved CM by CM, and the clutch started to burn up.

On my 5-hp Briggs with a 3/4" Bore.
I have a 12-teeth clutch, with #35 chain, and the sprocket is 59 or 60 tooth (i may have miscounted, i think its 60 lol) and the tires say they are 15x6 but i measured and they are 13.5".

I don't quite understand this gear ratio stuff just yet. But I think I calculated my gear ratio to be 5:1.

It seems either my engine is not reaching high enough RPM's to engage the clutch, the rear tires are too big, the drive sprocket is too big.
I'm not quite sure.

If anybody has some suggestions please help me out, thanks!

 

[trebortaergeht]

Centrifugal clutches don't like starting on inclines. Make sure the inside of the clutch drum is clean, spray it with some brake cleaner to remove any oil. Enigine could not be reaching lockup rpm but you would probably notice that. Gear ratio is a litte high, might try a rear sprocket with more teeth and you could always remove the governor to make up for lost speed

 

[Gumdroop]

I cleaned up the clutch, yeah I think its the engine not reaching RPM. How could I fix that? take the carb off and reallly clean it? Should I also drain the gas and clean the tank? If i get a new sprocket wont I need a new chain too?

 

[Russ2251]

yeah I think its the engine not reaching RPM. How could I fix that?

Current engine rpm needs to be verified first.

If i get a new sprocket wont I need a new chain too?

Not necessarily. Is chain worn out?

 

[Gumdroop]

How can I read the RPMs?

Nope chain is find, but wont it be too short iff I get a bigger sprocket

 

[Russ2251]

How can I read the RPMs?

I use this one: EXTEC STROBOSCOPE
Should be able to rent one locally.

Nope chain is find, but wont it be too short iff I get a bigger sprocket

You're right...my bad.
However, If you have the tools and spare chain, links can be added.

 

[Gumdroop]

Okay ill look into it

 

[Bluethunder3320]

i think you can get something at an auto parts store that plugs into the ignition to read the number of sparks a minute.

 

[Gumdroop]

Do you know what that device is called?

 

[Bluethunder3320]

i cant remember. this would work but its expensive. i will look more and try to find what i was thinking about before. it was the size of a multi-meter tester.

http://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-Small-Engine-DIGITAL/dp/B002WO04B2

 

[Russ2251]

If you're going the Tiny-Tach route...might as well get the better one.
Commercial Tiny-Tach
Updates every .5 seconds.

 

[Gumdroop]

That's somewhat expensive guys, I was thinking if I had to buy something, $20 would be my max. Is there any way of calculating my RPMs? If the engine didn't reach its rated RPM then it wouldnt move the go-kart at all would it?

 

[Russ2251]

Try a service station. They may have a stroboscope. Takes seconds to determine rpm.

 

[Gumdroop]

I may try that. I work at a machine shop and we make mustang parts, maybe my boss will know..lol he IS a genius in mechanics and things like this.